How To Learn The History Of Homemade Chemistry

How To Learn The History Of Homemade ChemistryDo you want to learn the history of improvised or makeshift chemistry? There is a lot that can be learned through history. It can be a challenging and rewarding experience, depending on how you interpret the stories and the facts.Many of the details of the history are being lost today because of the things that were invented to fight the flu, which were made with homemade mineral remedies. People who made these remedies, however, didn't stop using them after they were perfected. They kept making them and improved them as the demand increased. Their innovation has become more of a disease than a disease.Their home remedies can be traced back to the first people to make them, but people didn't focus their efforts on making homemade remedies until they had no other choice. In some cases, people continued to make them even after their factories were closed down. The custom of making these remedies seems to have died out quickly in many parts of the world because of the invention of a manufactured version.It was very common for people to use homemade medicine to treat illness or to cure diseases. The home remedies became very popular because they didn't take much time or money to make and they were almost always ready to use. A recipe would describe the ingredients needed and a person could just follow the directions and make the mixture. Usually a recipe would tell the number of drops or amounts to add.One of the best books to use when learning about homemade medicine is The Science of Homemade Medicine by Leslie Harris. This book gives a complete history of homemade remedies. The history is quite interesting because it shows the evolution of home remedies from being used to treat just a few people in particular to being used by millions of people across the world.The book also explains how to get started with homemade medicine. There are two ways to learn how to make herbal medicine, which is probably the easiest type of medicine to make. The first way is to make the raw ingredients from scratch. The second way is to buy a ready-made kit that will supply you with all the ingredients that you need to make your medicine.If you decide to make herbal remedies, you should have an idea of how strong they should be. It may be helpful to start out by making low potency herbs so that you can test them before you reach the level where you are going to sell them at a profit. The reason for this is that with low potency herbal remedies, the chances of success are much lower.Once you are well versed in the history of herbal medicine, you can move on to improving the herbal medicines that you have made. This can involve making them in stronger concentrations, improving the purity of the original mixture, or even adding new properties to the remedy. The decision to do this is up to you.

What is the End-of-the-World Dilemma Called a #? and How Can I Save Our Planet?

What is the End-of-the-World Dilemma Called a #? and How Can I Save Our Planet?When the Earth stops spinning on its axis and its rotational velocity decreases, then we will be headed for a catastrophe called a #? or a climactic nuclear war. The energy crisis that I speak of is called a #?? if you know what I mean. That's the point where not only will there be no more gas available but there will be no more oil available.You may be wondering, 'What can I do?' When your car dies of a broken fuel line, or your heater breaks down, what should you do? Well, you should buy some new automobile parts that can be resold at a profit. You can pick up some used auto parts at a local auto parts store or eBay.If you want to save the environment and make your car go even farther, then a #? becomes necessary. You need to replace the gasoline with electric power for the main electrical system of your car. The power inverter is a device that converts electricity into gasoline or other types of energy. For example, when you use the car's cigarette lighter to light a cigarette, the ignition coil in the cigarette is converted to electricity which is then used to power the car.You can do this by installing a new thermostat in your car's ignition system. There are special thermostats that allow you to control the amount of air flow into the car. This is where your car's heater needs to be adjusted to allow the air to circulate more evenly around the car. You will have to adjust the thermostat to match the temperature of the air in the car to the temperature of the heat available.You can also replace the car's oil with an electric motor that will run the vehicle only when it is turned on or when the car's oil is in a particular temperature range. If you need more details, then search the internet for electric car conversion kits.You may have heard about a natural gas powered car. This is an excellent option for cars that use a lot of natural gas like your RV or the small car you use t o commute to work. These cars do not require any fossil fuels. They use electricity to run their electric motors.The alternative fuel, natural gas, has some advantages that are not yet being explored. If you have an old car, or you plan to buy a new car, then it is best to learn more about this topic before you choose which method to go with. You may be surprised to find out that there are several ways to utilize natural gas.

How Can You Certify Your Dutch Language Skills

How Can You Certify Your Dutch Language Skills How to Prove You Can Speak Dutch ChaptersThe Case for Learning DutchWhere Can You Take Dutch Classes?Official Language Exams for DutchObviously, if you opened your mouth and started spouting about bitterballen and Hollanse Nieuwe Haring â€" or other traditional Dutch foods in the language of Amsterdam, most people would be convinced that you have a good grasp of Dutch.University administrators might not be so keen to permit your enrolment in their Dutch language programme simply based on your holding forth in that tongue, though... they need actual credentials from a qualified examining board.Where can you get them, now that Dutch A-Levels have been withdrawn?And, are there any Dutch language programmes to major in at any of our universities anymore?That is the topic your Superprof broaches today. Not just the dwindling avenues to certify your Dutch language skills in our country but the fact that, globally, Dutch is rapidly becoming a minor language, a fact that serves nobody well.Least of all avid Dutch speakers l ike you!the most-spoken languages of the world, nor is it widely studied.Furthermore, if you were to seek higher education in the Netherlands, you might be pleasantly surprised to find a multitude of undergraduate and graduate programs conducted entirely in English.And, should you plan on relocating, say, to Utrecht or Rotterdam, you might be able to get by using just your English language skills as more than 80% of the natives can competently converse in English...But none of that does anything for anyone who wishes to gain fundamental knowledge of that centuries-old culture!Fact is, there are many reasons to learn Dutch, some fun and others seriously beneficial â€" besides all of the reasons that tongue enticed you to learn it.Like you, we mourn the dwindling opportunities to study it in-depth in the UK. To that end, we now list where you could find qualified instruction in Dutch vocabulary and grammar.Where Can You Take Dutch Classes?We’ll just get the sad truth about Dutch lan guage studies in our country out of the way right now: every certifying avenue, from GCSE and A-Levels to university degrees, have been withdrawn for 2 reasons:Lack of student interestLack of qualified teachers and examinersOne might put the lack of learners desiring to know this language down to English speakers' apathy toward studying languages in general â€" a sad state of affairs, really!On the other hand, you are living proof that not every Briton disdains to learn a second language, and there are surely more people who, like you, wish to communicate effectively in more than one language.So, perhaps a combination of those two factors mentioned above make for a veritable chicken-and-egg scenario.At least, that might have been the case 25 years ago, when the Internet was in its infancy!In those days, language scholars had no choice but to accept the learning opportunities immediately available to them, or else relocate to where there would be a broader range of choices.Today, tha nks to modern technology, you may study just about any language you could think of in a virtual classroom, Dutch included.In fact, several renowned institutes of higher learning on our island offer online classes in Dutch, the foremost one being University College London.All of their Dutch courses â€" beginner, intermediate and advanced are taught strictly online, on a one-to-one basis.As soon as you sign up for your language class, you will receive your login credentials via email. Once you’ve gained access to their learning portal, you may then avail yourself to your course materials and set your schedule.Each course lasts 12 weeks and you have the option of taking courses concurrently â€" for example, you may sign up for Beginner 1 and Beginner 2, in which case your course duration would be doubled.Their Advanced Dutch course lasts the same amount of time but requires either your completion of their intermediate course or certified Dutch language capability of at least B2 level on the CEFRL scale.Patience, dear Reader: we will soon get to these certifications and how to attain them!Didn't you learn Dutch so you could do more than run through tulip fields? Source: Pixabay Credit:Public Domain PicturesSuccessful completion of this advanced-level course will promote your language level to CEFRL C1... but you will have to test elsewhere to get your official certification.Incidentally, if you truly wish to dive head-first into the history and evolution of the language, you may sign up for their Early Modern Dutch course or, if you are more of an economic bent, their Business Dutch lessons might appeal to you.If these are the Dutch classes you’ve been looking for, you should rush to enrol in their January sessions; they are now accepting applications!Should you live in London, and if your days are already filled, you might be interested in the Dutch language learning programmes at the University of Westminster.These courses are not necessarily targeted toward any certification process; they are more conversational in nature, with their emphasis being more on speaking and listening.Furthermore, you won’t get to the meat of the language â€" grammatical structures and verb usage unless you sign up for the advanced course and, even then there is little focus on reading and writing in Dutch.Nevertheless, if you were looking for native speakers to test your pronunciation with and improve your language proficiency, these language courses might be a valuable review resource ahead of your certification exam.Sadly, this course is not offered online but, if you were looking for a native Dutch speaker for online language training and exam preparation, why not turn to Superprof?Superprof has more than 100 native Dutch speakers or who are English-Dutch bilingual to challenge your fluency and teach you all about the language and culture of the Netherlands.One look at our Dutch tutors’ page will reveal each tutor’s experience with giving Dutch la nguage lessons, attested by past students’ testimonials. You will also see, at a glance, how much each tutor charges per hour of instruction and that most Superprof tutors give their first hour of lessons at no charge!For a learner preparing to take a language assessment test, a Superprof might be just your language study solution in the run-up to your certification exam!Now, your patience will be rewarded as we finally talk about the official exams that will certify your Dutch language skills!You may prove your Dutch language ability through one of three exams Source: Pixabay Credit: Ralf GervinkOfficial Language Exams for DutchThat’s not a typo, dear Reader!As opposed to CEFRLs in other European languages or the HSK, if you were learning Mandarin, there are in fact three separate language exams to prove your Dutch language ability; each accords to a specific set of circumstances.The Inburgeringsexamen is designed for anyone wishing to immigrate to the Netherlands.Such hopefuls must sit a preliminary exam at the Dutch embassy in their home country. The actual measure of one’s language acquisition takes place in the Netherlands, and only if the linguist has the pre-examination results in-hand.A measure of controversy surrounds this particular foreign language exam; not the least of which is that even the average Dutch native speaker cannot pass the pre-exam!The second, more likely exam would be the Staatsexamen Nederlands; a two-tier placement test suitable for foreign students wishing to study in the Netherlands.Programme 1 corresponds to CEFRL’s B1 level of language capability; Programme 2 is more advanced.Should you hope to live and undergo an apprenticeship in Amsterdam, the first exam should be sufficient; enrolling in a university or working would demand Programme 2 certification.Finally, and overall the most comprehensive exam to prove your linguistic ability is the CNaVT: the Certificate of Dutch as a Foreign Language.It is offered in 4 tiers:P TIT: Tourist and informal language level corresponds to Level A2 on the CEFRL scalePMT: equal to the CEFRL B1 language proficiency testPTHO means those candidates are proficient at the professional or university level; CEFRL level B2PAT: Level C1; an academic’s knowledge of the language and cultureAs you might have been preparing to sit A-Levels, your best match likely would be PMT or PTHO.On the other hand, if you have truly been diligent in your language course, your level of competence may be even higher!Learning a language is a lifelong endeavour, as you surely know.Very few people undertake language instruction purely for the learning experience; most people study language with a specific purpose in mind: a love of the culture, more job opportunities, relocation and the like.As you, like most others, are likely purpose-driven in your studies, it stands to reason that you would want a means to legitimise your linguistics and, in the absence of any such vehicle in your home cou ntry, it would be logical to seek such outlets abroad.And now, you know where to find them!Now you should turn to this list of revision materials tailored to your aims!

How to Make Your Boss Notice and Respect You Without Becoming a Sycophant - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Make Your Boss Notice and Respect You â€" Without Becoming a Sycophant - Introvert Whisperer How to Make Your Boss Notice and Respect You â€" Without Becoming a Sycophant Many introverts find it hard to be noticed and respected in the workplace. They don’t typically gloat about their accomplishments, and they’re less likely to be the ones to volunteer to deliver big presentations. This humble reservation doesn’t need to work against an introvert â€" it gives them the ability to demonstrate their worth through action, where it counts the most. If you’re an introvert attempting to command the professional respect you deserve, there are a few ways you can comfortably achieve it. Immerse Yourself in Company Culture Talking the talk is just as important as walking the walk. If it’s unclear to others that you’re doing either, they may not know where you stand. Show your company that you value its culture by participating in its events and offerings. If your company has an employee wellness program, utilize it. Participate in potluck lunches and attend the company picnic. Wear your silly hat for hat day, and contribute (financially or by volunteering your time) to the charities your company supports. Your presence is enough, whether or not you’re chatting up a storm or becoming overtly friendly with your coworkers. Take Advantage of Your Empowerment If you’ve been working for your company for a while, you’ve likely been empowered or trusted to do certain things or make autonomous decisions. This is the best thing that can happen to an introverted professional. If you don’t need to ask or navigate through the red tape before you take it upon yourself to complete a project early or put a creative twist on an old routine, you’d be foolish to let the opportunity slip through your fingers. How great would it be if your boss asked for a status check on a deadline or a project, and all you needed to say is “It’s already completed if you’d like to review it”? Keep a Close Eye on the Competition Read as many industry-specific blogs as you possibly can. You’ll always know what new innovations and techniques may affect the way you work. You’ll also know how these innovations can affect your competition, and you can begin drafting up ideas to help you stay ahead of the game. You’ll also want to know when your competition posts job openings, because this may indicate that they’re expanding. They might even attempt to poach top performers at your company, and having that foresight can help management prepare. Keep Learning A continuing quest for knowledge shows your boss that you’re ambitious. If you keep learning new skills or take advantage of your company’s tuition reimbursement scheme, your boss will see that you’re willing to put in the work necessary for a promotion. Some people verbally hint around at wanting to take the leap, but they don’t put in the work necessary to be considered for the job. If you’re taking initiative in your actions, nothing will resonate more clearly. Aim for Synchronicity Your boss likely has a core set of professional values and preferred ways of doing things. Not all of these methods will resonate with your personal work style, but what about the ones that do? If your boss has great habits, adopt the ones that will work for you. It shows that you’re open to new ideas and positive influences. Your boss might even feel flattered that you recognize his or her professional value, and this common thread may draw the two of you closer together. Winning the favor of your boss is something of a process â€" it may not happen in a month or two, but it’s around the bend if you’re willing to commit yourself to pursuing this favor in the long term. Stick to new habits or better practices. Everyone will notice. About Evie: Evie Cooper is a Team Leader, a careers blogger, and a huge fan of self-improvement and constant growth. Currently working for UKAreaCode â€" an online knowledge library, Evie might often be found online where she shares her careers and education tips with job-seekers, employees, and bosses alike. Feel free to reach out to her on @CooperEviee. Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

The Advantages of Learning How to Speak German

The Advantages of Learning How to Speak German Why German Lessons or a German Language Course is a Brilliant Idea ChaptersGerman: A Language with an Exciting HistoryLearn the Most Widely Spoken Language in EuropeLearning German to Study in GermanyLearn to Speak German for a Career in GermanyMake Your Career International by Learning GermanFacts and Figures for the German LanguageGerman Culture at Your FingertipsWhy English Speakers have a Head Start when Learning GermanWhy Learning German isn’t as Difficult as You ThinkBe Inspired to Learn GermanMaybe you’ve been wondering about learning a new language for a while and are struggling to make a decision.If German is one of the languages you’re considering, there are plenty of reasons why you should learn to speak it.To learn German is to open up a world of possibilities in your career (whether in the UK or abroad), uncover the rich cultural heritage and be able to share in the many influences the German language has had in business, culture and the media. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGer man Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGerman: A Language with an Exciting HistoryThe German language as we know it today is descended from a group of distinct dialects spoken in and around Northern Europe, which have also evolved into other modern European languages such as Danish and even English, which consequently belong to a family called the Germanic languages.These ancient dialects have their own history too. For example, they have been used in the original transcriptions of ancient Buddhist texts, and were a lso brought together and standardised in the Protestant translation of the Bible, which paved the way for modern German.Another striking fact about these dialects is that the German language spoken by the Amish community in Pennsylvania comes from the Low German dialect.Learning German is not just about learning new words, but discovering the history of the language in detail and understanding how several dialects came together to produce modern German.Learn the Most Widely Spoken Language in EuropeIn France, just 15.4% of school pupils choose to learn German, often preferring to learn English or Spanish for the travel advantages.However, those learning German can also benefit from more than the language itself.Students of German can easily use and improve their language skills through enjoying the work of Goethe, as German teacher Thérèse Ouchet explains:  â€œSpanish is reputed for being easy, and German for being difficult. However, the grades of German learners are actually bet ter than those who of people who choose to learn English and a lot better than the grades of Spanish learners. The wide range of films on the Second World War obviously has an impact, even if people prefer the Iberian sunshine to the grey weather in Germany!”German is also a particularly useful language for those who want to work in international organisations, with German being the most commonly used language in the European Union.In June of 2012, the European Commission published a report on the languages most widely spoken as a mother tongue across Europe:German (16%),Italian (13%),English (13%),French (12%),Spanish (8%),Polish (8%).This may come as a surprise, but don’t forget that German is an official language in Austria, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein and Switzerland, as well as the Italian province of Bolzano.Achieving fluency in German will open up a world of opportunity when it comes to travelling and working within the EU.Learning German to Study in GermanyApart from the UK as an exception, German educational institutions aren’t too different to those found in the rest of Europe.To help with your decision on which school to choose, here are the types of educational establishments available in Germany:German public universities: For international students, these can be free and offer general and theoretical education in subjects such as business studies, medicine and engineering. Scholarships are also available for some students.Fachhochschulen: These are higher education institutions which teach students with a view that they will enter a skilled field. To be accepted in Fachhochschule, international students must pass entrance exams to ensure their level.Colleges of Arts, Film and Music: These organisations offer training for future artists of painting, fashion, music or cinematography and can give qualifications up to doctorate level.Private universities: These can be compared to the university equivalent of private schools in the UK. They offer a n extra boost when it comes to recruitment and starting a career after graduation. However, at around €20,000 per year, this doesn’t come cheap.One of the best reasons to study in Germany is the increased ability to enter into the world of work after finishing your degree.Studying in Germany demonstrates an open mind, which UK employers will admire.Do university differently and learn German at the same time ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapBut to have access to a truly German education, you must have first mastered the basics of the language.When the time comes to submit your application, certain universities may ask you for an official language certificate such as the DSH or TestDaf.To get an idea of their German language level, foreign students can take the online OnSet test.It is best to gain a good understanding of German before you, the learner leave to study there â€" but don’t worry, you don’t have the be fluent.It is only necessary that you have good enough listening an d comprehension skills to be able to take German lessons, and your language will improve just by living there and interacting with native speakers.Learn to Speak German for a Career in GermanyGermany is the second largest export destination of the UK.This means that business between the two countries couldn’t be much better.Another interesting point is that recruitment in the tourism industry for the German-speaking population is thriving like never before!If you speak good enough German, you’ll have no problem working in a health club or as a tour guide anywhere in the world.Germans are becoming increasingly fond of South-East Asia, so if you’re looking for adventure, take a trip to the Phi Phi Islands!But if you’re not sure about leaving Europe, take comfort in the fact that German tourists also enjoy Greece, Italy and Portugal.With their 6 weeks of holidays per year, Germans have plenty of time to travel â€" so why not be a part of this?It’s not uncommon for Brits and o ther Europeans to learn German to work in Germany.This is because it is a lot simpler to find work and better career prospects in Germany â€" especially if you already have experience of working or studying abroad.In April 2015, the  unemployment rate in Germany was just 4.7%, compared to 5.6% in the UK.But what is the reason for this difference?Germany is known for taking risks and quickly developing new sectors to their economic advantage.German bosses also use different communication methods to ours. For example, the use of new technologies plays a big role in business communication and development, therefore, becomes more efficient.In order to be able to work in Germany, it is necessary to have a knowledge of basic German at the very least.Without knowing the language, you’ll rely on speaking English which may harm your chances of social and professional integration.You can accelerate your learning of German with private German lessons wither with a one to one home tutor or an online course. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMake Your Career International by Learning GermanFrench, German and Spanish are all languages which will make your CV attractive to potential employers.Mastery of the German language is not just an asset in the UK, but in the international market too!Contrary to what some people believe, German is a beautiful language which is used and loved all over the world as an official a nd minority language.With a second language, your career can take you anywhere ¦ source: Pixabay - MeditationsFor instance, in the USA, Germano-Americans form the largest ethnic group in the country, representing more than 17% of the population, and it is estimated that 2 million US citizens can speak fluent German.Across the globe, German is a minority language in:BrazilNamibiaTanzaniaParaguayChileVenezuelaRomaniaThe USAKnowing how to speak German is therefore incredibly useful for those who enjoy travelling, as well as those in the world of business, who can use their skills to communicate with customers on practically every continent.Language skills and becoming more and more sought after in the world of work, as mastery of more than one language demonstrates the work ethic of candidates who may need to found and maintain professional international relations.Facts and Figures for the German LanguageBecause it’s human nature to look for concrete information, here are a few fact s and figures which demonstrate the need for German speakers:German is the second most used language for scientific publicationsGermany has the third largest number of applications for scientific patents in the worldMore than 100 million people around the world speak German as their first languageGerman is the most widely spoken language in Europe, with a significant number of German-speaking populations in Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein as well as Germany itselfGermany boasts the largest economy in Europe â€" so why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it?German is one of the three languages spoken in the region of Alsace (alongside French and the Alsatian dialect)10% of the world’s books are printed in GermanGerman grammar has 4 cases (also called declensions): nominative, accusative, dative and genitiveGerman Culture at Your FingertipsGermany is far more than the land of sausage and beer.As a country, Germany has an immense cultural wealth, boasting nearly 40 UNESCO worl d heritage sites such as Cologne cathedral and the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm.Its heritage extends to its literature and art. Here are a few recommendations for learners of German to enjoy:LiteratureThe complete works of Geothe: Start with Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (The Sorrows of Young Werther) for a bit of romanticism in a world of sadnessKafka’s Der Process (The Trial): a man who is accused of murder in a strange worldThomas Mann’s Der Zauberberg (The Magic Mountain): A major work of German literature and a beautiful glance into the early 20th centuryCinemaFriedrich Wilhelm Murnau’s Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht (Nosferatu the Vampyre): an adaptation of the story of DraculaDas Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others) by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck: how a spy is caught in his own trapWolfgang Becker’s Good Bye, Lenin!: how a family recreates East Germany after the Berlin wall falls whilst their mother is in a comaSoul Kitchen by Fatih Akin: to show you that Germa n comedy does exist!MusicContrary to the stereotypes about the German language (that it sounds aggressive or ugly), there is a certain musical beauty about it.Some of the most famous musical pieces are in German, including several Operas stun spectators at every performance. They include:Tristan und Isolde (Tristan and Isolde) by Richard Wagner: An adaptation of the 12th-century work based on the myth. Performances can last up to 4 hours 30 minutes.Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte  (The Magic Flute): An internationally famous operaAnd let’s not forget Beethoven’s 9 symphonies!Everyone knows the famous opening to his 5th, and you’re certain to have heard Ode to Joy, which is part of the 9th symphony.This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to German language cultural exports, so what are you waiting for? Delve deeper with your knowledge of German!Why English Speakers have a Head Start when Learning GermanAt the beginning of secondary school, pupils have the choice of learni ng a second language â€" but this often comes with dilemma: French or German?French seems to be a good option, with lots of cognates and only a hop across the channel if you want to practice.German and English have more in common than you might think ¦ source: Visualhunt - Defence ImagesBut German has something different: easy pronunciation. That is, for speakers of English as a first language.This is because English and German both belong to the family of Germanic languages, meaning they have their roots in Northern Europe. During the middle ages, these two languages would have had a similar rhythm and intonation to one another, as well as similar grammatical structures.This means that the way English and German use nouns, adjectives and pronouns would have been, and still are quite similar.Even if there are distinct differences between these languages, it’s not difficult to spot words and phrases that look alike.Bruder = brother,Mutter = mother,Machen = to make,Lerner = to lear n,Hundert = one hundred,Kann = can,Nun = now,Haus = house,Universität = university,Kamera = camera.So now you know why Germans speak such good English â€" and you can do the same with German!Not only do Germans learn English, they also borrow words!This is usually the case when naming new technologies. One such example is the word ‘computer’, which linguists decided to borrow after failing to invent a German-sounding equivalent.One the other hand, English has welcomed a few German words into its vocabulary, including ‘kindergarten’.Why Learning German isn’t as Difficult as You ThinkPeople are often reluctant to learn German for two reasons. Firstly the conjugation â€" this is all about the way verb forms change according to their relationships with the other words in a sentence.English conjugation is often regarded as simple in comparison to that of other languages, but this shouldn’t worry you.The second reason people are apprehensive about German is the grammatical ca ses â€" something which is practically absent from English.Cases show the status of a word within a sentence, and pronouns and adjectives can change depending on the case.Both conjugation and cases sound like tricky subjects, but if you spend enough time learning German, they will come naturally.German construction is quite logical, which many learners like.For example, the German word for ‘water bottle’ is Wasserflasche. Thanks to the similarities between English and German, it is not difficult to see that this word is a construction of ‘water’ and ‘bottle’.Another perhaps more obvious positive about German is that it uses the same alphabet as English, and is therefore easier to learn than Greek or Russian.This makes German pronunciation a lot easier, especially since it is a phonetic language â€" meaning that it sounds like it is written.Learn German and fall in love with its cultural heritage ¦ source: Pixabay - jh146Overall, German isn’t very difficult to learn †" the difficult part is being motivated enough to keep practising and confronting your weaknesses.Learning a new language can keep your brain young and open doors to new personal and professional opportunities as well as allowing you to explore a different culture with your own language skills.Be Inspired to Learn GermanThe Germans Love to InventFrom the Gutenberg printing press to the discovery of electromagnetic waves by Hertz, the development of chemotherapy by Ehrlich and Einstein's theory of relativity, Germans have often proved themselves to be great innovators.This trend is still continued today, with 4 of the 10 most innovative businesses and 12.7% of the world’s patent applications coming from Germany.As a nation which works for research and development, the Germans are always on the ball with new technology.Germany exports the second highest number of gadgets (behind the USA) and boasts over 600 businesses to do with biotechnology.Aside from this, Germany is also well-kn own for its prowess in the automobile industry, which is the most developed in Europe.Germans: Keen Tourists with a Lot of buying PowerWith an average of 6 weeks of holiday to take every year, the Germans have the time and the means to travel â€" and they do!In 2007, they spent a record 91 billion euros on international travel.Wherever you go, you will notice the number of German holiday makers.So be a part of their passion for travel and learn their language!Begin learning German with a private tutor:German lessons LondonGerman courses GlasgowGerman lessons LeedsLearn German online

Who Are the Most Famous British Pianists

Who Are the Most Famous British Pianists Who Are The Best British Pianists? ChaptersAlan RawsthorneBenjamin BrittenBenno MoiseiwitschCipriani PotterDonald Francis ToveyBest British Pianists: Frederic Hymen CowenGeorge PintoIrene ScharrerJohann Baptist CramerPianists from the UK: John LillJohn McCabeJohn TaylorOther British Piano VirtuososVocabulary“You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you’ve looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.” - Robert SchumannThe piano is one of the most popular instruments for musicians to learn and its popularity never seems to waiver.  There’s always a piano within reach. Throughout the history of music, the piano’s played a hugely important role and many pianists can serve as a fine example to the younger generations.Both international famous pianists (Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Robert Schumann, Schubert, etc.) and British pianists have played their part in creating a musical landscape full of famous pieces.Forget about famous composers like Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Franz Liszt, Beethoven, Tchai kovsky, and Prokofiev, in this article we're going to talk about some of the greatest British pianists!Keep up with your piano lessons and make it to this list one day. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAlan RawsthorneAllan Rawsthorne hailed from Lancashire and studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music. Throughout his career, he put together an impressive repertoire of music.If you want to become a great pianist, you have to first learn to play the piano. (Source: F ree-Photos)He wrote one ballet and a number of symphonies for the orchestra. Of all his works, Symphonic Studies, a concerto for orchestra, his viola sonata, and his two piano concertos are some of his most popular works.He was also responsible for the soundtracks for a large number of films during the 1940s and 1950s.Benjamin BrittenBritten attended the Royal College of Music and was heavily influenced by classical music in his early years since his mother wanted him to follow in the footsteps of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, by adding Britten to the list. That said, Britten claimed that his creativity was stifled by constantly studying and playing their work.Throughout his illustrious career, he created many a composition including operas, church parables, ballets, orchestral pieces, concertante, and instrumental music including solo piano pieces.He also founded the Aldeburgh Festival, an arts festival devoted to classical music which takes place in June in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.Benno MoiseiwitschIf you're thinking that Benno Moiseiwitsch doesn't sound very British, you'd be right. Moiseiwitsch was born in Odessa in the Russian empire in 1890 before moving to the UK in 1908.He regularly played Romantic pieces, including works by Rachmaninoff. In fact, Rachmaninoff himself said that Moiseiwitsch was his “spiritual heir”.Moiseiwitsch was given a CBE for his contributions during the Second World War as he regularly played to the armed forces.Unlike some of the other greats you find in lists of famous pianists, you can actually listen to recordings of the virtuoso himself as a lot of his performances were recorded.Cipriani PotterCipriani Potter is one of the older pianists on our list, having been born in 1792. He was a staff member of the Royal Academy of Music in London in its early days before becoming principal for nearly 30 years!He came from a musical family and was taught by two people who were students of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (one of them being his ow n father!).  He was accepted into the Philharmonic Society as an associate member at the age of 21 (he would later become a full member).He created a number of orchestral symphonies, concertante, and many piano pieces. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has produced commercial recordings of a couple of his piano concerti if you'd like to listen to his creations.Donald Francis ToveyAnother British pianists worth mentioning is Sir Donald Francis Tovey. In addition to his playing, he also extensively studied music and wrote essays on music. While he didn't compose as many pieces as the other pianists and composers in our list, his contribution to the study of music more than makes up for it.That said, he still wrote a number of piano pieces, chamber music, orchestral symphonies, an opera, and choral music.Best British Pianists: Frederic Hymen CowenCowen was actually born in Kingston, Jamaica, but moved to the UK when he was four. He came from an artistic family with one sister being an a ctress and another a painter.  He published his first composition when he was just six years old and created an operetta at the age of eight.Many of the greats started tickling the ivories when they were very young. (Source: consorex)He won the Mendelssohn Scholarship in Germany, which would have paid for him to attend the Leipzig Conservatorium for three years. However, his parents sent him as an independent student in order to retain control over him. He eventually had to return following the Austro-Prussian War.He specialised in lighter orchestral pieces rather than serious pieces. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGeorge PintoWhile there are very few records of Pinto's family life, there's a lot more information available on his music. He was born in 1785 and started learning music from the age of 8. By the age of 10, he was part of London's music scene. He also performed in Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Paris.London is still home to a vibrant music scene. (Source: Free-Photos)While he usually played the violin rather than the piano, Pinto had stated that the piano was his favourite instrument. He was also a fan of J. S. Bach.He died at the age of 20 having fallen ill the previous year.Irene ScharrerIrene Scharrer studied at the Royal Academy of Music and, like many of the other pianists on our list, got started at a very young age. She first performed in London at the age of 16 and regularly performed until throughout her life.She woul d often play four-handed compositions with Myra Hess, another British pianist of note.  Her playing favoured grace over power and she was at her best when playing Romantic pieces.Johann Baptist CramerThough born in Mannheim, Germany, Cramer moved to London as a child and lived and worked there most of his life.He was a talented pianist and when impressed Beethoven when he visited Vienna. He was also friends with Haydn.  He was famous for his technical precision when playing the piano and wrote 200 sonatas for the instrument. He also a number of piano concertos.Pianists from the UK: John LillJohn Lill is one of the few living pianists still on our list since you usually have to have stood the test of time before you can be classed as one of the greats. However, Lill is certainly deserving of appearing in this list.He was born in 1944 and from a very young age was shown to be very talented. He attended the Royal College of Music and made his first performance at the age of 9.There are recordings of his playing available to those interested in hearing him tickle the ivories. He is particularly famous for his incredible interpretations of Beethoven's works.John McCabeJohn McCabe, who passed away in 2015, was dubbed as “a pianist of formidable gifts and wide-ranging sympathies”. He started composing at a young age and by the time he reached the age of 11, he had written thirteen sympnonies.Even though he regularly composed music, he initially became famous as a pianist who could play almost anything from Classical to contemporary music.John TaylorWhile the other pianists on the list mainly play classical music, John Taylor was a jazz pianist. In fact, he's also the only pianist on this list who's self-taught!You don't need an expensive piano to become a great pianist. (Source: Mariamichelle)He got involved in the jazz scene when he moved to London in 1964. He worked with a number of different acts and employed a style that was inspired by both jazz and classica l music.Take piano lessons online and make it to the list of the most famous pianist.Other British Piano VirtuososOf course, we can’t fit all the great British pianists into one measly article.  Here are a few more pianists that you might want to check out for their piano playing:Johnny PearsonJon LordJulius DrakeKaikhosru Shapurji SorabjiKathryn StottMichael FinnissyMichael NymanMike PinderMyra HessPaul McCartneyPaul WilliamsPercival MackeyWhether you’re looking for a classical or contemporary pianist or a composer or a jazz pianist, there are plenty of talented Britons to listen to.VocabularyThe piano has made a home for itself in the UK and, as a result, we have plenty of internationally famous pianists. Classical training has helped these pianists make a name for themselves. However, you won’t be able to join them if you don’t know what any of the words mean.In a number of our articles on music, we've included a short glossary at the end. If you want to become fluent in music, you'll have to read them all!CounterpointThis is when two distinct melodies are played over one another.RubatoThis is an Italian term which means that the piece should be played expressively and with freedom.See more famous piano players here.

Strategies for Sight Singing

Strategies for Sight Singing Suzy S. It may seem like instrumentalists have it much easier when it comes to sight reading music; by simply pressing a key or a string, the notes are immediately available to them without any additional thought, and all that’s left to them is to work out duration, dynamics, and tempo. Singers, on the other hand, dont have an instrument to rely on. Taking a song previously unknown to you and delivering a reasonably accurate performance the very first run-through isn’t a talent that everybody has.  However, there are plenty of strategies you can employ to make yourself better at sight singing. Learn Your Intervals   With the advent of smartphones and tablet devices, there are a wealth of music apps available to put a keyboard in front of you whenever you need it.    Better still, with a pair of headphones, you can study your intervals throughout the day. As you have breaks in your day, listen to intervals until they become familiar to you.  Your ear will learn what a minor third, perfect fifth, and so on sounds like, and with time youll find it easier to translate your sheet music to singing! Also, don’t forget to put the bookwork in on your printed music â€" analyze your songs, and while you’re learning what an octave sounds like, learn what it looks like as well.  The more work you put into combining the look and the sound of an interval, youll find your sight singing improving on its own. Remember to Count The best thing you can do to lay the groundwork for your sight singing is to reinforce your knowledge of music theory, and how the notes on the page turn into music.  The more you learn about keys, harmonic structure, time signatures, common Italian musical terms, and note lengths, the easier it will be to translate those.  The quicker you can work out the note lengths and intervals, the more fluent your reading will become.  Pay special attention to more complex time signatures, and don’t ignore dotted notes and any articulation markings. Think of your printed music as a map â€" make a note of any landmarks, such as changes of key or time signature â€" and treat reading your way through it as a journey.  Read through your words before you tackle the music, note where phrases are going and the shape of them, and make sure you observe any accidentals. Practice Makes Perfect Sight singing is like riding a bike â€" for a while, you may need to take extra time and work out the notes slowly. But after a while, youll find that your sight singing skills have developed to the extent that you’re only looking a bar or so ahead as you read.  Practice your new skills as often as you can.   Set a steady tempo when you’re sight singing, and stick to it â€" don’t stop to correct mistakes or to work out intervals. Being a fluent sight reader is a valuable skill for a singer. Vocalists who can sight sing well are quite rare, and are in high demand, especially for good choirs and small ensembles.  Improving your sight singing will open all kinds of new opportunities! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by donald judge

How to Create a GRE Prep Plan

How to Create a GRE Prep Plan If youre applying to graduate school and need to take the GRE, its time to create a plan. With a plethora of advice and study material available, the choices can be overwhelming. Which books should you purchase? How long should you review questions for each section? When should you take the official exam? The first step in answering these questions is to create a GRE prep plan. To establish a study plan, take GRE practice tests, identify your goals, and create a prep schedule. Hoping to make the most of your GRE test date? Keep reading to learn how to create a GRE prep plan. GRE prep plan tip #1: take a full-length GRE practice test The best way to know how to start studying for the GRE is to sit for a practice GRE exam. The official test takes three hours and 45 minutes. Therefore, your practice exam should take the same length of time. When taking a practice test, dont skip the Analytical Writing section. Complete both the Issue essay and the Argument essay. Then, go through the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Once youve finished, write down your score, and then review your exam results to determine your strengths and weaknesses. GRE prep plan tip #2: identify your GRE goals Based on the results of your practice exam, as well as the requirements of the graduate program youre applying to, choose your priorities for your GRE preparation. When pinpointing your GRE goals, ask yourself questions such as: Should I focus on writing? Do I need to improve my verbal skills? Do my quantitative skills need assistance? If youre entering a program based in mathematics, like engineering or finance, make sure that your performance on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE reflects your highest abilities. Conversely, if youre applying to graduate school for programs like English or education, then the Writing and Verbal Reasoning sections will also be important. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Get GRE Writing Practice] GRE prep plan tip #3: register for your GRE test date Your official GRE exam date will give you a target to work toward. Depending on your application deadline, allow for sufficient time to prepare, as well as a cushion in case you need to take the exam again. If youre a prudent planner who has six months to a year before your application is due, register for a GRE exam date two months from now, and forecast a backup GRE exam for three months from now. This will provide you with at least three months to work on the rest of your application after youve completed the GRE. [RELATED: How is the GRE Scored?] GRE prep plan tip #4: create a study schedule Consistency is key when preparing for the GRE. Block out times with specific topics to study throughout each week, broken down into separate question types. For example, for your Verbal Reasoning times, decide whether youll work on reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence, or general vocabulary memorization. On Quantitative Reasoning days, determine whether you want to focus on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or data analysis. Additionally, include full practice GRE exams throughout your schedule so that you can monitor your progress. [RELATED: GRE Tips for Test Day] GRE prep plan tip #5: keep your end goal in mind Your GRE prep plan will help you succeed on the GRE only if you follow the plan. Remember why youve scheduled study time throughout the week and why you want to create the strongest application possible for graduate school. Also, if necessary, adjust the plan. As you prepare for the GRE, you may develop your skills in certain sections more easily than others. Update your plan accordingly. Creating a GRE prep plan that addresses your needs requires focus and discipline. Establish your goals, and create a study schedule to support your GRE exam success. Following these steps can help make your GRE preparation process successful. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

4 Smart Reasons to Take AP Classes

4 Smart Reasons to Take AP Classes Improving Academic Performance Taking AP classes is almost never a bad idea. While, some AP classes require you to have a particular aptitude in a subject (for example, you can’t just decide to take AP BC Calculus without taking all the pre-requisites), other AP classes, like AP US History, don’t really have pre-requisites at most high schools â€" you simply can elect to take AP US History. The list of AP classes offered by the College Board, by my count, stands at 30. Furthermore, of those 30, I count 13 that probably don’t have too many pre-requisites. Sure, AP classes are harder (sometimes much harder), and require more work, and therefore there are some reasons to decide against taking them. But, we believe that there are three major reasons to take AP classes which overpower any downsides. Earn College Credit AP classes earn you college credit. Armed with that college credit, you may not have to take a given course in college. At my alma mater, Indiana University, it costs an out of state student about $3,000 per course. An AP test costs $89.00. I’m not making this up. Boost Your GPA The second reason to take an AP class is that, generally, it actually provides you with the opportunity to boost your GPA. If you are on a 4-point scale in high school, meaning straight A's = 4.0, often times an AP class will count as 5, so you have the opportunity to throw an average of 5 into the mix, boosting your GPA. Sure, the class may be harder, but at the end of the day, the potential is certainly there to give your GPA a boost. Improve Your College Applications The third reason to take an AP class is that you can improve your college applications by showing colleges that you have taken some of the most difficult classes available. The difficulty of these classes suggests that you are both intelligent and have key critical thinking skills. It also shows a willingness to push yourself. Learn Something Completely New The fourth and final reason to take AP classes is that they provide the opportunity to try something new. For example, high schools don't have an economics track, where you are taking economics freshman, sophomore and junior year. There aren’t too many Psychology courses either. These are two subject to which you probably haven’t been exposed, but you may learn that you really enjoy them (vs. math, physics, biology, etc. which you’ve been taking for years). What are your thoughts on AP classes? hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '6baac2ae-05a3-4610-9d1f-265c8cbd809f', {});